Wood brothers win one for grandmother

The twin brothers from Stagg wanted to perform in the 39th Central California Lions All-Star Classic for Phyllis Rooney, who passed away May 8. Ryan walked away with the MVP of the game and Brian earned the Offensive Player of the Game in a 30-0 win for their North team.

Rooney, 57, an avid follower of her grandchildren, died in a car accident on Hammer Lane and Amber Way in Stockton. She had already bought her ticket for the game.

"I was thinking about her the whole game and it made me play herder," Ryan said. "It felt like she was here with me."

Several others contributed for the North, but the Wood brothers struck when the outcome was still in question.

The brothers were in the game together for the first time on the opening drive of the second quarter. Brian took the snap and launched a 33-yard touchdown pass to Ryan in the corner of the end zone. Ryan leaped over defender Prince Hallion and made a spectacular catch for the first score of the game.

Brian also set up the North's second touchdown in the third quarter. He broke outside for a 42-yard run that was stopped at the South's 3-yard line. He banged his elbow on the play and Gino Franceschetti took the ball in for a 1-yard quarterback keeper.

Brian and Ryan have committed to Division II Chadron State in Nebraska. They leave in August.

"I would have liked to score," Brian said. "But I figured there is no point in risking anything in an all-star game."

Brian rushed two times for 49 yards and completed 2 of 3 passes for 46 and a touchdown. Franceschetti completed 2 of 6 passes for 23 yards. The touchdown was Ryan's only reception, but he played corner back and had three tackles and a pass breakup.

Middle linebacker Johnny Uperesa, from Johansen, led the South with six tackles and a sack. He was named Defensive Player of the Game.

Stagg product Maurice Boyd had nine carries for 89 yard and touchdown, while West's Patrick Thompson rushed nine times for 61 yards and a touchdown.

"We picked a roster designed to give everyone heavy minutes," North coach Brian Gray of Lincoln said. "We got to do that and it's good to spread the wealth."

The South got inside the North's 20-yard line once during the game in the fourth quarter. However, Justin Martin of Oakdale missed a 25-yard field goal. He also missed a 37-yarder in the first half.